Eyewitnesses recall hearing gunshots and smelling gunpowder amid WHCD shooting chaos

WASHINGTON, DC: A night meant for speeches and satire turned into sheer panic at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, as eyewitnesses described hearing gunshots and even smelling gunpowder during a sudden shooting scare on Saturday, April 25.

The high-profile event at the Washington Hilton was underway when chaos erupted, forcing the immediate evacuation of President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and several top officials.

Eyewitnesses recount panic as gunshots were heard inside ballroom

Attendees say the mood shifted almost instantly.

After guests were introduced and people began settling in for the evening, loud sounds echoed through the ballroom.

Some initially weren’t sure what they were hearing but it didn’t take long for panic to spread.

Several eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots, while others said they could smell gunpowder in the air.

The reaction was immediate. Guests ducked under tables, trying to take cover as security rushed in.

The room, which had moments earlier been filled with conversation and laughter, quickly fell into chaos.

CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer later described just how close he was to the incident.

“The shooter was clearly on the ground shooting when I saw him. I was only a few feet away,” he said. “The gunshots were so loud, so frightening, that it scared all of us.”

Blitzer also revealed that he lost a shoe in the rush and later sheltered in a bathroom with other members of the press.

Secret Service response and evacuation unfold within minutes

Security personnel moved quickly as the situation unfolded.

According to officials, a gunman rushed a security entrance near the ballroom and was engaged by Secret Service agents. The response was swift, with agents securing the area and escorting key figures out of the venue.

A Secret Service agent was reportedly struck in the vest but was safe.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, FBI Director Kash Patel, and HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr were among those escorted to safety.

Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi later confirmed that there had been a “shooting incident near the main magnetometer screening area” and that one individual was in custody.

Inside the hotel, guests were directed to evacuate or shelter in place. Fox News anchor Bret Baier said attendees were “told to run” as they were moved to safer areas, including the basement.

Erika Kirk, who now leads Turning Point USA after the death of her husband Charlie Kirk, was among those caught in the chaos.

She was seen taking cover under a table in the early moments and was later consoled by Patel.

Trump addresses WHCD shooting

Shortly after being escorted out, Trump addressed the situation on Truth Social.

“Quite an evening in DC Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely,” he wrote. “The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘Let the show go on’ but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement.” The suspect was later identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California. 

He added, “Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again.”

It was later confirmed that Trump would not return to the event and would instead address the press from the White House. The dinner has been postponed and will be rescheduled within 30 days.